Gallery: 10 commandments of sleep hygiene

1. Schedule a relaxing period before going to sleep, to separate your body and mind from the day’s hassles.

Photos.com
/ canada.com

2. Use your bedroom primarily for sex and sleep, and not as an all-purpose activity area.Thinkstock
/ canada.com

3. Your bed should be comfortable, large enough, in a quiet, dark room, and at the right temperature.Thinkstock
/ canada.com

4. Keep a regular schedule, going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Don’t go to bed until you feel sleepy.Thinkstock
/ Photos.com

5. Be consistent about taking naps. Take one regularly or not at all.Photos.com
/ canada.com

6. Exercise regularly in the morning or early afternoon, but do not engage in strenuous activity late in the evening. A relaxing, mild physical activity might be helpful close to bedtime.Spencer Platt
/ Getty Images

8. Don’t use alcohol or street drugs as sedatives. While they might help you initially fall asleep, they lead to sleep disruption and deprive you of deep sleep (at times, even for years.)Photos.com
/ canada.com

9. If you feel hungry in the evening, have a light snack or a glass of milk. Heavy meals close to bedtime can result in discomfort and further sleep disturbance.Photos.com
/ canada.com

10. Above all, do not try too hard. If you can’t fall asleep, don’t lie on the bed anxious or frustrated. Leave your bedroom to read, watch TV, or do something else to relax, going back to bed only when you feel sleepy again.Thinkstock
/ canada.com

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.